Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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108. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which new trading links continue to be established globally; the extent to which it is expected that Ireland can benefit from such developments in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33506/17]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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New trading links continue to be established globally at a fast pace.  In recent years, technological innovation, the digitization of trade and geopolitical changes have all impacted on how the world trades.  While the global economic environment has always been dynamic, it could be argued that change is happening at a faster pace than ever before. 

The EU's suite of Free Trade Agreements with third countries is helping to open new markets, break down trade barriers and create new opportunities for Irish firms.  There are some currently some twenty EU trade deals at different stages of negotiation.  These Agreements are particularly important to SMES to enable them to internationalise and grow exports. 

Ireland, as one of the world's most open, export-based economies, relies on continued open access to international markets for our economic growth.  The combination of export-led growth and foreign direct investment has transformed the Irish economy over recent decades.   The more we trade, the more jobs we support and the better our living standards.

The outstanding successes of our trade policy to date are evident.  Exports are at a record high of an estimated €240 billion this year.  Foreign Direct investment is also at a record high.  IDA companies created nearly 19,000 new jobs in 2016 across a range of sectors, with every region of Ireland benefitting.  Overall, unemployment is now down to 6.3%.

In March, the Government launched 'Ireland Connected, Trading and Investing in a Dynamic World'.  This is a cohesive, whole-of-government Strategy, which sets out ambitious targets for Ireland's exports, foreign direct investment, tourism and international education.  The Strategy details Ireland's response to the current highly dynamic global environment, and how we will meet these challenges.

As part of the Strategy, we aim to increase our indigenous exports by Enterprise Ireland supported companies, including food, to reach €26 billion by 2020.  Over the same period, we aim to secure 900 new foreign direct investments.  We will also support geographic market diversification, so that Irish owned exports to non-UK markets increase by 50%, while maintaining exports of at least €7.5 billion to the UK.  These targets reaffirm that we are an outward-looking country, strongly committed to international trade and to adapting to the changing international environment, including the challenges and opportunities presented by Brexit.